Green Day songs are some of the most essential classic rock tunes of the 1990s and 2000s. However, the band drew significant influence from The Who, one of the most iconic bands of the 1960s and 1970s. Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong revealed The Who’s “Pinball Wizard” was the inspiration for one of Green Day’s singles. He feels he made some major missteps on that song’s parent album.
How The Who’s ‘Pinball Wizard’ inspired Green Day’s ‘Minority’
During a 2020 interview with Rolling Stone, Armstrong revealed the origin of Green Day’s “Minority.” After ‘Time of Your Life,’ I started getting into playing more acoustic guitar, and I really wanted to have more for [the album] Warning,” he said. “And there was also a lot of kind of bad pop-punk that was starting to happen, and I wanted to go against that genre.
“This felt like the next step,...
How The Who’s ‘Pinball Wizard’ inspired Green Day’s ‘Minority’
During a 2020 interview with Rolling Stone, Armstrong revealed the origin of Green Day’s “Minority.” After ‘Time of Your Life,’ I started getting into playing more acoustic guitar, and I really wanted to have more for [the album] Warning,” he said. “And there was also a lot of kind of bad pop-punk that was starting to happen, and I wanted to go against that genre.
“This felt like the next step,...
- 1/5/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
I was 10 when I fell in love with Tommy Smothers, who succumbed to cancer on Tuesday at 86. He was my first television hero. He was funny, he was gentle, he was quietly outrageous. And for a pre-teen kid in the 1960s, he was everything I thought a grown-up should be.
Let me back up for a second to note that I was raised in a houseful of liberals bordering on radicals. My parents and siblings were all proudly antiwar when it came to Vietnam. My older sister was the kind who went to love-ins and hung with the hippies, possibly because she was a hippie herself. My mother would bake pot brownies that my sister took to the love-in. Me? I was too young to do much more than get taken along for the ride, but it was made abundantly clear that if I wanted to be a Richmond, I...
Let me back up for a second to note that I was raised in a houseful of liberals bordering on radicals. My parents and siblings were all proudly antiwar when it came to Vietnam. My older sister was the kind who went to love-ins and hung with the hippies, possibly because she was a hippie herself. My mother would bake pot brownies that my sister took to the love-in. Me? I was too young to do much more than get taken along for the ride, but it was made abundantly clear that if I wanted to be a Richmond, I...
- 12/28/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
Tom Smothers, one-half of The Smothers Brothers, has died at the age of 86 following a battle with cancer.
The National Comedy Center announced his death on behalf of the family, with his younger brother Dick Smothers releasing a statement. “Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner,” Dick said. “I am forever grateful to have spent a lifetime together with him, on and off stage, for over 60 years. Our relationship was like a good marriage – the longer we were together, the more we loved and respected one another. We were truly blessed.“
The brothers initially wanted to be folk musicians but quickly realized that they weren’t quite good enough. However, once they began adding a little comedy to their act, it took off. “It was a series of performances when we started out as a duet in Aspen.
The National Comedy Center announced his death on behalf of the family, with his younger brother Dick Smothers releasing a statement. “Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner,” Dick said. “I am forever grateful to have spent a lifetime together with him, on and off stage, for over 60 years. Our relationship was like a good marriage – the longer we were together, the more we loved and respected one another. We were truly blessed.“
The brothers initially wanted to be folk musicians but quickly realized that they weren’t quite good enough. However, once they began adding a little comedy to their act, it took off. “It was a series of performances when we started out as a duet in Aspen.
- 12/27/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Tom Smothers, who with his younger brother Dick changed the face of comedy with their musical humor and The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, died Tuesday in Santa Rosa, California, following a cancer battle. The news was announced by the National Comedy Center, on behalf of Smothers’ family. He was 86.
Tom and Dick Smothers started out as folk musicians in the early ’60s, and soon discovered that, while they were not good enough to be professional musicians, the act worked if they mixed in comedy.
Dick Smothers said in a statement, “Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner. I am forever grateful to have spent a lifetime together with him, on and off stage, for over 60 years. Our relationship was like a good marriage – the longer we were together, the more we loved and respected one another.
Tom and Dick Smothers started out as folk musicians in the early ’60s, and soon discovered that, while they were not good enough to be professional musicians, the act worked if they mixed in comedy.
Dick Smothers said in a statement, “Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner. I am forever grateful to have spent a lifetime together with him, on and off stage, for over 60 years. Our relationship was like a good marriage – the longer we were together, the more we loved and respected one another.
- 12/27/2023
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
The Who’s Tommy has set its Broadway return for Spring 2024. Preview performances will kick off on March 8th, 2024 at the Nederlander Theatre ahead of the opening night on March 28th, 2024. It will mark the production’s transfer from Chicago’s Goodman Theatre.
The musical adaptation of The Who’s 1969 concept record and subsequent 1975 film adaptation is coming back three decades after it first opened on Broadway in 1993. Helmed by the musical’s original director Des McAnuff, the revival is described as a reimagined version of the show. It of course features music and lyrics by Pete Townshend, who co-wrote the book with McAnuff.
Tickets are currently on sale at The Who’s Tommy website or Broadway Direct. Watch the trailer below.
Tommy centers on the titular character, a “deaf, dumb, and blind boy” whose baffling skills at pinball lead to him becoming a messianic figure. Enduring songs like “Pinball...
The musical adaptation of The Who’s 1969 concept record and subsequent 1975 film adaptation is coming back three decades after it first opened on Broadway in 1993. Helmed by the musical’s original director Des McAnuff, the revival is described as a reimagined version of the show. It of course features music and lyrics by Pete Townshend, who co-wrote the book with McAnuff.
Tickets are currently on sale at The Who’s Tommy website or Broadway Direct. Watch the trailer below.
Tommy centers on the titular character, a “deaf, dumb, and blind boy” whose baffling skills at pinball lead to him becoming a messianic figure. Enduring songs like “Pinball...
- 10/26/2023
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Music
Attendees at Ann Wilson’s show in Santa Rosa, California Tuesday night (October 10th) got a special surprise when she brought out her sister and Heart bandmate Nancy Wilson onstage, marking the first time the two have performed together since 2019.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we have the answer to a question with us tonight,” Ann said from the stage. “A very, very good friend — more than a friend…let’s bring her out. Come on.”
Naturally, the two then performed Heart’s 1977 classic “Barracuda.” Per Setlist.fm, it was the closing number for the evening, during which Ann also played handful of other Heart songs along with covers of John Lennon, The Who, Queen, and Led Zeppelin. See a clip of the Wilsons doing “Barracuda” together below.
Heart’s last album was 2016’s Beautiful Broken, but a falling out between Ann and Nancy shortly thereafter put the band on pause. They...
“Ladies and gentlemen, we have the answer to a question with us tonight,” Ann said from the stage. “A very, very good friend — more than a friend…let’s bring her out. Come on.”
Naturally, the two then performed Heart’s 1977 classic “Barracuda.” Per Setlist.fm, it was the closing number for the evening, during which Ann also played handful of other Heart songs along with covers of John Lennon, The Who, Queen, and Led Zeppelin. See a clip of the Wilsons doing “Barracuda” together below.
Heart’s last album was 2016’s Beautiful Broken, but a falling out between Ann and Nancy shortly thereafter put the band on pause. They...
- 10/11/2023
- by Abby Jones
- Consequence - Music
Exclusive: Rock icon Bob Geldof is collaborating on a stage musical about the global phenomenon that was Live Aid. The show, called Just For One Day, devised and directed by Luke Sheppard (& Juliet), will have its world premiere at the Old Vic Theatre in London early next year.
Live Aid was a concert like no other, organized by Geldof and fellow rock ‘n’ roller Midge Ure in July 1985 to raise funds and awareness for the famine crisis then taking place in Ethiopia.
Just For One Day will run at the Old Vic from January 26-March 30.
The UK leg of Live Aid kicked off at Wembley Stadium where the likes of Queen with frontman Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, Elton John, George Michael, Sting, Sade, The Who, Paul McCartney, U2, Geldof’s the Boomtown Rats, Ure, Paul Weller and tons of others rocked and raved in the presence of thousands of spectators — including Charles and Diana,...
Live Aid was a concert like no other, organized by Geldof and fellow rock ‘n’ roller Midge Ure in July 1985 to raise funds and awareness for the famine crisis then taking place in Ethiopia.
Just For One Day will run at the Old Vic from January 26-March 30.
The UK leg of Live Aid kicked off at Wembley Stadium where the likes of Queen with frontman Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, Elton John, George Michael, Sting, Sade, The Who, Paul McCartney, U2, Geldof’s the Boomtown Rats, Ure, Paul Weller and tons of others rocked and raved in the presence of thousands of spectators — including Charles and Diana,...
- 10/1/2023
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
Tl;Dr:
John Lennon noted that one of The Who’s songs was originally by an American artist. John felt The Beatles’ covers of songs by American artists weren’t always so good. The Who’s cover song had a major connection to a few Elvis Presley hits.
John Lennon didn’t like one of The Who’s songs. Despite this, he liked a version of the song by another artist. Notably, John didn’t think The Beatles always did a good job covering other artists’ songs.
John Lennon felt 1 of The Who’s songs was a subpar cover that was emblematic of the time
The book Lennon on Lennon: Conversations With John Lennon features an interview from 1974. During the interview, John discussed Swinging London. “There was a discotheque scene in London, and the main club we all went to was the Ad Lib,” he said. “There was a couple more,...
John Lennon noted that one of The Who’s songs was originally by an American artist. John felt The Beatles’ covers of songs by American artists weren’t always so good. The Who’s cover song had a major connection to a few Elvis Presley hits.
John Lennon didn’t like one of The Who’s songs. Despite this, he liked a version of the song by another artist. Notably, John didn’t think The Beatles always did a good job covering other artists’ songs.
John Lennon felt 1 of The Who’s songs was a subpar cover that was emblematic of the time
The book Lennon on Lennon: Conversations With John Lennon features an interview from 1974. During the interview, John discussed Swinging London. “There was a discotheque scene in London, and the main club we all went to was the Ad Lib,” he said. “There was a couple more,...
- 8/25/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Stand Up to Cancer is back for 2023, which is a huge milestone for the annual TV special. This year marks the 15-year anniversary of the huge telethon for such an important cause. Stand Up to Cancer 2023 is titled “How It Started, How It’s Going.” Throughout the event, viewers will take a trip down memory lane to see the beginning of Stand Up to Cancer and watch how the impact has grown over the past 15 years. The special event airs live on Saturday, Aug. 19 at 8 p.m. on ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. You can watch ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC with a 5-Day Free Trial of Directv Stream. You can also watch with Paramount Plus, Hulu Live TV, Fubo, Peacock, or YouTube TV.
How to Watch Stand Up to Cancer 2023 When: Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 8:00 Pm Edt TV: ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC Stream: Watch with a 5-Day Free Trial of Directv Stream.
How to Watch Stand Up to Cancer 2023 When: Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 8:00 Pm Edt TV: ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC Stream: Watch with a 5-Day Free Trial of Directv Stream.
- 8/19/2023
- by Aubrey Chorpenning
- The Streamable
Stand Up To Cancer is back with its SU2C fundraising special that is set to air on Saturday, August 19 at 8 p.m. Et with a star-studded list of celebrities.
Celebrities making a special appearance during the show include Elizabeth Banks, Jessica Biel, Don Cheadle, Katie Couric, Danai Gurira, Tony Hale, Ken Jeong, Maria Menounos, Julianne Moore, Tig Notaro, Jimmy Smits, Eric Stonestreet and Justin Timberlake.
A special montage of comedic skits from past shows will feature Jack Black, Ben Falcone, Zach Galifianakis, Brad Garrett, Bill Hader, Jon Hamm, Kevin Hart, Ed Helms, Melissa McCarthy, and Matthew McConaughey. The televised special will also feature past musical performances from the likes of Brittany Howard, Simone Ledward Boseman, and The Who.
The one-hour televised celebration entitled “How It Started, How It’s Going” will recognize SU2C’s impact and progress over the last 15 years.
“We started this movement in 2008 to save...
Celebrities making a special appearance during the show include Elizabeth Banks, Jessica Biel, Don Cheadle, Katie Couric, Danai Gurira, Tony Hale, Ken Jeong, Maria Menounos, Julianne Moore, Tig Notaro, Jimmy Smits, Eric Stonestreet and Justin Timberlake.
A special montage of comedic skits from past shows will feature Jack Black, Ben Falcone, Zach Galifianakis, Brad Garrett, Bill Hader, Jon Hamm, Kevin Hart, Ed Helms, Melissa McCarthy, and Matthew McConaughey. The televised special will also feature past musical performances from the likes of Brittany Howard, Simone Ledward Boseman, and The Who.
The one-hour televised celebration entitled “How It Started, How It’s Going” will recognize SU2C’s impact and progress over the last 15 years.
“We started this movement in 2008 to save...
- 8/7/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Elton John has long been one of the foremost showmen in all of classic rock. He wrapped up his touring days with his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour, though he promised fans he’d return to the stage at some point, just not as part of a tour. His catalog of songs, electric personality, and flashy outfits made for great theater, but one of John’s worst concerts included a little too much action, and he cut the show short.
One of Elton John’s worst concerts stopped early when crickets swarmed the stage
After decades as one of the biggest acts in show business, Elton John has seen and done it all. Or if not all, then definitely more than most.
He survived years of excessive substance use, which was nearly a miracle. Sir Elton was one of the few musicians knighted by Queen Elizabeth II before she died.
One of Elton John’s worst concerts stopped early when crickets swarmed the stage
After decades as one of the biggest acts in show business, Elton John has seen and done it all. Or if not all, then definitely more than most.
He survived years of excessive substance use, which was nearly a miracle. Sir Elton was one of the few musicians knighted by Queen Elizabeth II before she died.
- 7/21/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Who‘s Pete Townshend produced a classic rock song that became one of the most influential one-hit wonders ever. Subsequently, The Who covered the hit themselves. Townshend revealed what he thought of the cover in retrospect.
The Who’s Pete Townshend produced a song for a shock-rocker whom he called ‘incredible’
Arthur Brown is most known as the lead singer of The Crazy World of Arthur Brown. He became known for his over-the-top performance style which inspired many shock rockers and art rockers who came after him. One of his trademarks was a pyrotechnic helmet.
During a 1968 interview with Rolling Stone, Townshend was asked which group he enjoyed the most. “Arthur Brown I think is an incredible show,” he said. “What I dig in a performance, in an event, is essentially to be communicated to, to feel part of an audience. I always feel like an audience because I...
The Who’s Pete Townshend produced a song for a shock-rocker whom he called ‘incredible’
Arthur Brown is most known as the lead singer of The Crazy World of Arthur Brown. He became known for his over-the-top performance style which inspired many shock rockers and art rockers who came after him. One of his trademarks was a pyrotechnic helmet.
During a 1968 interview with Rolling Stone, Townshend was asked which group he enjoyed the most. “Arthur Brown I think is an incredible show,” he said. “What I dig in a performance, in an event, is essentially to be communicated to, to feel part of an audience. I always feel like an audience because I...
- 7/20/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Chicago – The Opening Night ovation certainly acknowledged that the audience “Saw, Felt, was Touched and Healed” by the passionate and celebratory performance of “The Who’s Tommy.” Adapted from the iconic rock opera created by The Who in 1969, the Goodman Theater revival … with 1990s origins … was written by Pete Townsend and Des McAnuff (also director).
The adaptation was maniacally choreographed and thoughtfully presented, with an amazing looking stage design, and lead actor Ali Louis Bourzgui delivered a heroic rendering of the conflicted title boy who turns off his life, only to revive it through a literal breakthrough. The Goodman Theatre run, which will go to Broadway, has been extended to August 6th, 2023. For ticket info and more, click Tommy.
Play Rating: 4.5/5.0
The story is rooted in the British World War II, as Tommy’s eventual father Captain Walker (Adam Jacobs) meets and marries his mother (Allison Luff) during the conflict, but is captured by the Germans.
The adaptation was maniacally choreographed and thoughtfully presented, with an amazing looking stage design, and lead actor Ali Louis Bourzgui delivered a heroic rendering of the conflicted title boy who turns off his life, only to revive it through a literal breakthrough. The Goodman Theatre run, which will go to Broadway, has been extended to August 6th, 2023. For ticket info and more, click Tommy.
Play Rating: 4.5/5.0
The story is rooted in the British World War II, as Tommy’s eventual father Captain Walker (Adam Jacobs) meets and marries his mother (Allison Luff) during the conflict, but is captured by the Germans.
- 6/27/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Movie soundtracks can elevate ordinary stories, adding depth and resonance to beloved films. The lasting impact of these soundtracks is evident in the instantly recognizable songs that continue to endure. Sometimes, the music becomes a movie’s highlight, compensating for weaker storylines or characters.
Classic movie musicals like West Side Story have stood the test of time, while films like The Bodyguard provided a platform for legendary artists to showcase their talents. The longevity of these soundtracks is often measured by their chart performance, reflecting their profound influence on generations.
The intertwining of music and cinema is a magical combination. The closing notes of The Breakfast Club, the era-defining mix of Dazed and Confused, and the genius of Prince in Purple Rain are just a few examples of the powerful synergy between sound and vision.
It is impossible to imagine certain movies without their iconic musical moments. Radio Raheem‘s...
Classic movie musicals like West Side Story have stood the test of time, while films like The Bodyguard provided a platform for legendary artists to showcase their talents. The longevity of these soundtracks is often measured by their chart performance, reflecting their profound influence on generations.
The intertwining of music and cinema is a magical combination. The closing notes of The Breakfast Club, the era-defining mix of Dazed and Confused, and the genius of Prince in Purple Rain are just a few examples of the powerful synergy between sound and vision.
It is impossible to imagine certain movies without their iconic musical moments. Radio Raheem‘s...
- 5/15/2023
- by Buddy TV
- buddytv.com
The 1960s and 1970s saw the rise of the music festival, and a number of documentaries have captured the spirit of these events. Some of the biggest bands at the time played festivals, and documentarians immortalized their sets and the atmosphere — both jubilant and dangerous — that characterized the performances. Here are seven of the best documentaries to watch about music festivals.
Jimi Hendrix | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images ‘Woodstock’
Woodstock was the defining music festival of the century, and the 1970 film Woodstock captures its spirit. Even viewers who weren’t yet alive during the three-day festival in Woodstock, New York, will walk away with a sense of what it was like to attend. It features performances by artists like Crosby, Stills & Nash, Joan Baez, The Who, Joplin, and Jimi Hendrix.
Thelma Schoonmaker and Martin Scorsese editing the 'Woodstock' documentary in 1969. pic.twitter.com/E5WPO6NCPd
— Lost In...
Jimi Hendrix | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images ‘Woodstock’
Woodstock was the defining music festival of the century, and the 1970 film Woodstock captures its spirit. Even viewers who weren’t yet alive during the three-day festival in Woodstock, New York, will walk away with a sense of what it was like to attend. It features performances by artists like Crosby, Stills & Nash, Joan Baez, The Who, Joplin, and Jimi Hendrix.
Thelma Schoonmaker and Martin Scorsese editing the 'Woodstock' documentary in 1969. pic.twitter.com/E5WPO6NCPd
— Lost In...
- 4/7/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Bruce Arnold, best known as the chief songwriter and singer of the soft-rock band Orpheus, has died at age 76 in Marin County. His family confirmed the death but did not provide a date or cause.
Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, Arnold founded Orpheus in 1967. he group recorded four Talbums and six singles for MGM and Bell Records, including . Its the hit single “Can’t Find The Time,” which peaked at No. 80 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1969.
“Can’t Find the Time” was revived when Hootie & the Blowfish covered it in the 2000 comedy film Me, Myself & Irene, starring Jim Carrey and Renée Zellweger.
Orpheus performed with such acts as the Who, Cream, Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin, the Lovin’ Spoonful and Blood, Sweat & Tears.
“We were right in the midst of that,” Mr. Arnold said in an interview with the Marin Independent Journal in 2012. “But Orpheus didn’t sound like the music...
Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, Arnold founded Orpheus in 1967. he group recorded four Talbums and six singles for MGM and Bell Records, including . Its the hit single “Can’t Find The Time,” which peaked at No. 80 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1969.
“Can’t Find the Time” was revived when Hootie & the Blowfish covered it in the 2000 comedy film Me, Myself & Irene, starring Jim Carrey and Renée Zellweger.
Orpheus performed with such acts as the Who, Cream, Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin, the Lovin’ Spoonful and Blood, Sweat & Tears.
“We were right in the midst of that,” Mr. Arnold said in an interview with the Marin Independent Journal in 2012. “But Orpheus didn’t sound like the music...
- 10/30/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
DVD Playhouse—June 2009
By
Allen Gardner
The International (Sony) An Interpol agent (Clive Owen) joins forces with a Manhattan D.A. (Naomi Watts) to bring down an arms dealing ring and a corrupt global banking cartel that’s funding them. Superlative thriller was oddly ignored by critics and audiences alike, but expertly blends intelligence (courtesy screenwriter Eric Warren Singer’s masterfully-crafted script) and full-throttle action (director Tom Tykwer stages one of the great film shoot-outs in New York’s iconic Guggenheim Museum), making this dynamite thriller reminiscent of the best work from masters such as John Frankenheimer and Robert Aldrich. Armin Mueller-Stahl is wonderful as a world-weary covert op. Bonuses: Extended scene; Featurettes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
The Jack Lemmon Film Collection(Sony) Five films from the two-time Oscar winning actor, focusing on his early career: Phfft! is a zippy comedy from 1954, one of Lemmon’s earliest films, in which...
By
Allen Gardner
The International (Sony) An Interpol agent (Clive Owen) joins forces with a Manhattan D.A. (Naomi Watts) to bring down an arms dealing ring and a corrupt global banking cartel that’s funding them. Superlative thriller was oddly ignored by critics and audiences alike, but expertly blends intelligence (courtesy screenwriter Eric Warren Singer’s masterfully-crafted script) and full-throttle action (director Tom Tykwer stages one of the great film shoot-outs in New York’s iconic Guggenheim Museum), making this dynamite thriller reminiscent of the best work from masters such as John Frankenheimer and Robert Aldrich. Armin Mueller-Stahl is wonderful as a world-weary covert op. Bonuses: Extended scene; Featurettes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
The Jack Lemmon Film Collection(Sony) Five films from the two-time Oscar winning actor, focusing on his early career: Phfft! is a zippy comedy from 1954, one of Lemmon’s earliest films, in which...
- 6/3/2009
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
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